No one epitomizes beach life more than Jimmy Buffett. He performs in shorts and flip flops at his sold-out shows to his devoted “Parrotheads” (as his fans are called) who dream of living his version of the good life filled with sailing, sand and cheeseburgers in paradise. Here’s a glance at what the legendary singer, songwriter and author looks forward to most each summer in the Hamptons.
1. Live Music at the Stephen Talkhouse
There are always good acts at The Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett, NY. I’m part of a group that’s hosted a Wounded Warriors benefit and fishing tournament for the last six or seven years and I played at the Talkhouse for that last summer.
2. Surf’s Up
I get up early and head straight to Montauk, where I’ve been surfing for years. If I know the weather is going to be good, I occasionally stay out there at my “shack” and get up really early. Sometimes I go around 9 a.m., after the locals have surfed and gone to work and the visitors are too hungover to be out there yet.
3. Cocktail
My favorite summer drink is rosé on ice—real men drink rosé!—or Don Julio tequila on the rocks.
4. Fishing
If I’m taking a lot of friends and family out, we’ll go bass fishing, but what I really look forward to is fishing for tuna offshore in mid-summer. I even arrange my tour schedule around it. We’ll go from Montauk to Block Island or Nantucket.
5. Paddling
Last summer I imported a few traditional outrigger canoes from Hawaii. I take one out in front of our house for a few runs or else take lessons from a Hawaiian guy out in Montauk.
6. Flying
I love to take my seaplane out and buzz around Nantucket or visit friends in Martha’s Vineyard.
7. Dinner Al Fresco
We have lots of visitors and family (our house is like a summer camp) since we’re usually hosting a big group for dinner at a long table by the water.
8. Jones Beach
I’ve been playing Jones Beach for 20 years and it’s really become a hometown gig for me. It’s the greatest place to play in the world if the weather is nice, but if it’s not , it’s like being on the deck of the Titanic. My fans are so loyal that they’ll be there anyway.
Jimmy Buffett will be performing at Jones Beach on August 15.
By Holly Paramelee
